Five Things for Father's Day

It's Father's Day and in honor of my dad I want to share some things I have learned from him.  Stoic and often quiet unless he has an opinion (watch out) he had ways of influencing me.  Always guiding and loving.  So here are some things I have carried with me in my life because of my dad.

Road trip with mom and dad

Work Hard

My dad has always been a hard worker.  He left home and his first job was at age 14 setting chokers which is extremely dangerous, and living on his own.  Growing up I remember when there was a recession and he was out of work.   He went every day to the unemployment office and would take anything they would give him.  He claimed they were tired of seeing him show up every day.  At one point he worked at the VA, in his terms as a mop flopper.  My dad is a skilled tradesman, although he was not using his trained skill set, he believed in the importance of work, working hard and providing. He gained a different perspective and stated his strong opinions of the importance of respecting our elders and veterans, in which he did not feel was happening.  Work ethic is something that has been instilled me from his influence.

Friends are Important

Waiting for us to stop laughing - the salmon was heavy!

My dad has put up with Kelli and my antics for years!

Good friends are hard to come by.  

Relationships are important and often you must look at your friends like family....family that you may even actually like.  I am sure this can resonate with some of you.  My dad has few close relationships, which is very different from me. Whether you many friends or just a few, having them is important.

I have worked to cultivate my relationships.  My friends are an integral part of my community and identity.  

Pets are Pals

My dad is an animal lover.  If you were to meet him and have a your furry friend with you...he would most likely ignore you and pay attention to your pet.  The neighborhood dogs make a daily stop at my parent's home.  Some even have their own personal dog beds in his shop and will hang out with him when he is tinkering.  Every night he has to walk Josie, his neighbor's oldest springer spaniel back home, as she loves hanging out all day at their house.  At times, I think my parents intent to visit me, was actually to see Roms.  (ok maybe not but it is completely plausible)

My mom has a  No Pet Rule which she upholds.  However, she is the first to pick up dog toys and treats, dog food and bird feed at the store.  A random chicken adopted my parents and set up roost on top of their recycling bin.  Her name is Cuckoo (and my mom loves her just as much as the furry friends, don't let her fool you).   Since then she has had baby chicks and my dad has made a new roost for her. Upon meeting someone with any dog(s), there is an immediate offer to dog sit.  Which my mom scoffs in the background.

My dad told me today as he noticed the empty space where Roms things used to be - I sure miss that bum!

Go for your Dreams

My dad has always encouraged me to do what I love, commit and follow through on my word and strive to improve.  After my first half marathon I was telling him about the race and he said to me that's great, so when's the marathon? My response Dad, I just did a half marathon...I haven't even wrapped my head around a marathon.  This one of many talks we have had.  Often he will listen, if there is concern he will give me my opinion but more often I'm left with You will have to decide what you are going to do kid.  I used to get frustrated - what is that supposed to mean? I asked you for advice!  But I realize ultimately I have to make my a decision, go for it and the outcome, good or bad, will my own.  I appreciate this much more today than my younger years when I was a bit confused on what to do.

Family Time

Birthday stop at Joe's

Joe's Donuts - the best donuts EVER!

Over the years we gift giving has gone to the wayside and spending time together over a meal has been more of the focus.  We have had dinner at Timberline for my dad's birthday in the past.  For Father's Day, I called my dad and inquired where he would like to go to, so that I could make a reservation.

 

Me:  Would you like brunch, lunch or dinner?  

Dad:  I want to go the Vietnamese restaurant....the one you took us to.  

I paused because I couldn't remember a restaurant.  

Dad:  The sandwich place

Me:  Best Baguette???  

Dad: Yeah

Me:  That's where you want to go is to Best Baguette?

Dad:  Yeah they have good sandwiches.  

Me:  Ok, are you sure?  You can pick any place and you want to go there?

Dad:  It doesn't matter where we go as long as we are together

Well that sums it up doesn't it.  May you enjoy your Father's day with your dad, grandpa or whomever.  There may be some of you who have lost your father.  I can imagine that would be difficult today and may you have a moment to reflect on your memories

My parents have a sense of humor!

.

A rare moment to catch him smiling!

Newport Marathon

My second marathon

I had intended on running my second marathon last year in Vancouver B.C. but due to a horrible ankle sprain I ran the last couple of miles with a friends who were doing the half and full marathon.  I set out to finish my second marathon with Newport in mind.  My training was set and I was more than ready.

Tragedy

The week of my marathon I came home from a trip to find out my dog, Roms suddenly had become ill. I rushed from the airport and took him to Dove Lewis. I had to make the difficult decision to put him down as his body was full of cancer.  I remember the comment he doctor made.  'We can do an ultrasound and if it looks like surgery is a possibility, it will give you 3 - 6 months more time with him.  There will hospital stay, stabilization and possibly chemotherapy'.   (At some point I will be writing about Roms but I just can't....just not yet).  Exactly a week ago today I lost Roms.

I was a wreck - emotionally.  I wasn't sleeping and I forced myself to eat just because I knew I had the marathon.  I did my runs scheduled for the week.  Not the best of circumstances but it would work out as I had my training in place.

Newport

Running buddies in the marathon - Justin, Maureen, Diana, Abbi, Megan, Brittany, Kari and some marathon maniac photo bomber

The marathon recap

The good:  I felt great and I ran under 10s or at 10 through mile 12.  Kari and Dave were on the course cheering us on and offering support.  I even stopped at the oyster station and threw back a raw oyster - I felt fantastic!!

The bad:  A gu exploded in my pack and I had stickiness to deal with around mile 9.  But really in the light of things a little stickiness is the least of my worries.

The ugly:  Around mile 12ish my pace slowed down due to the sharp shooting pain in the side of my right knee.  A couple of times my knee gave out on me.  I waved Abbi on to run her race and to not wait for me.  Every step felt like I had a knife in the side of my knee and it was being twisted with each step.  The cantilever course killed my IT band.  I stretched a couple of times and my pace slowed to 11s.  

The rest of the story:  I saw Kari around mile 13 and swapped out my water belt for a hand held, which got rid of my sticky mess issue.  I grabbed my Voltaren and slathered a bunch on my knees and leg.  Each aid station I added more Voltaren hoping the topical anti-inflammatory would help the pain subside.  Every time I walked I could barely begin running again.  I got to the turn around and saw K at mile 18.  I took a few minutes to roll out with a stick my leg and took 4 Advil.  

The spectator bus rolled past me and I saw Dave waved and I waved back.  Around mile 19 I saw Kari and she said 'I'm running with you'.   Kari had no plans of running and didn't even have water on her.  I started to cry....this was not supposed to happen.  I was not supposed to lose Roms, my body was not supposed to give out on me, I was not supposed to walk, I was not supposed to run 11-12 minute miles....I was angry - so very angry, I was emotional and I was hurting.

I saw three women holding signs and I said to Kari 'Is that our girls?'  Sure enough Kim, Karen and Trisha were there with signs made.  Honestly I didn't even read the signs I just was excited to see them and I hugged each one.   Trisha joined us.  Again, not intending to run she had on a sweater and pants.  Having Kari and Trisha there for support was huge for me.  Actually having everyone there was huge.  I am pretty lucky to have so many people in my life that are there for me.

Trisha and Kim holding signs

Change in plans

My original goal was to run the marathon in 4:30, this was not happening and I knew it.  I set a new goal to finish before 5 hours.  Which would still be a PR.

I finished the last two miles strong as far as running but I was sobbing.  Imagine the ugly cry. (Yes, I know not pretty).  The crowd was great they were cheering.  My strength has always been the final stretch.  I can pick up my pace and run in.  Honestly I'm built more like a short sprinter than a long distance runner.   I took the downhill as an advantage and passed runners.  As I rounded the corner I heard someone yell - 'Yeah you go girl!!!'  I saw the clock time 4:54. 

Mimosa toast with Diana and Abbi

I think the first person to hug me was Diana.  My heart sank and I felt like crumbling.  I was disappointed that my body gave out on me and did not meet my potential.  Or in some ways I think knowing what my potential is and seeing the gap was/is frustrating.  My finish time 4:54:31.  Under 5, more than 4:30.  

My medal

What did I learn -what do I know?

I learned that I can finish more than half a marathon in sheer and utter pain. I know that I am mentally strong even in my weakest moments.  I know that I cry and can express that emotion and not feel bad about it. I know that I have some of the best and most amazing people in life.  I know that I will need to be patched up but I will run again.

Post marathon relaxation on the deck

Post marathon icing - I was too lazy to go get ice - vodka from the freezer works!